Hi, is anyone also suffering with the above due to more inactivity than usual? I wake up to slim feet and legs and withinn two hours feet are puffy and calves much bigger. Neither are painful but very noticeable and I've never had this in my life. I'm thinking of buying one of those Revititive foot exercisers as doc says it's due to lower legs not being able to pump blood back adequately. I can't spend the day sitting with my legs higher than my heart
The second problem is getting me down big time. I'm currently taking Laxido solution and drinking a fair amount of water but again through being more inactive than I've ever been the problem seems to be not moving. ( no pun intended)
You don't say how recently you had your operation, but you can suffer from swollen legs for a considerable time afterwards. I managed to get my swelling down quite quickly by drinking a lot of water - about 2 litres a day. You say you are drinking quite a lot, but maybe not enough. Also, however hard it is, you have to keep as active as you can and keep the blood circulating.
I found that the swelling at night went down after sleeping, then on waking progressively got worse, especially at night.mine lasted about 7 weeks.
Compression stockings help and mobilising as much as possible. Try and elevate them and in bed at nightime with a pillow under your knees.
Our body's also retain quite alot of fluid post op which also dosnt help with the swelling, although this does go,the fluid retention.
Constipation is just awful, the medication unfortunately is a big factor especially codeine if your on that.
Lots of water as you say dried apricots and fresh orange juice help with constipation. It does eventually go,when the pain killers lessen heaven when it does.
I had the swollen feet and legs the first 4 wks after THR. I also had the constipation and solved with Albion Magnesium Glycinate. I take 3 capsules every night about a half hour before bed and the problem is solved. They're inexpensive and no side effects. Magnesium is also good for muscle aches and cramping so it is a win-win fix for me!
Good luck and keep us posted.
Marie
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Swelling is common for the first few weeks. As you've been told, elevating your feet will help reduce it.
As far as constipation goes, that is normal after surgery and while taking prescripton paid meds. My surgeon suggested an over the counter product called Miralax. It's a tasteless powder that you mix with whatever you drink. It works gently and quickly too. It's a bit more expensive than other brands, BUT IT WORKS!! It's not like other laxitives that can give you horrible cramps. You should be able to buy it on the internet, or at least find out more about it.
Hi Sarah, I had the swollen legs and feet for the first few weeks post op.
Re constipation, as the others have said, lots of water, move as much as you can. I too was sent home from hospital with laxido. Also recommend plenty of green veg, dates, prunes. Also linseeds v good, sprinkled on breakfast cereal.
It's all because of the pain meds. Once I was off those I was skipping off to the loo after every meal.....Good luck!